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606 North Oneida St.
Appleton, Wisconsin
Ralph Kaufman Obituary
Ralph C. Kaufman, age 60, of Appleton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Cherry Meadows Hospice, Appleton. Ralph was born in the middle of eleven children in Appleton on December 29, 1954, to the late Joseph and Vivian (Fulcer) Kaufman.
He is survived by special friend Diane, his children whom he loved profoundly: Ronnie, Christy Fritch (fiance' Mark Woldt), and Amanda Christophersen; his greatest joy, his grandchildren: Felicia and 2 great grandchildren: Jaelyn and Wynter; Jordan, Joey, Autumn, Charles, Emma, Anna, and 10 siblings: JoAnn Koehnke, Ginna (Jack) Heegeman, Dave (Linda), Judy (Roger) Regeth, Mike, Mary (Steve) Ready, Debbie Wilson, Greg (Kim), Dan (Laurie) And Ann (Ken) Hansen. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends..
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his brother-in-laws: Bob Koehnke, Jim Koehnke, and Steve Wilson; nephews and niece: Jamie, Troy, Billy, and Ally.
Ralph will be remembered by many through his fabulous gift of music and singing, love of riding his motorcycle, and willingness to help others. He loved spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tom Bungers officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 1 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice for the compassionate care given to Ralph.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Kaufman
The Klinke's
December 18, 2023
Hard to believe it's been a year. Although our families drifted apart we remained childhood friends forever. You and I even shared a girlfriend in our teens, lol We will all meet again someday. godspeed...
Greek and Di Gostas
December 18, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
JOANIE Johnson ( stueber)
August 10, 2019
I just heard I'm sorry for the family the only family I knew was Ronnie and sherry. But that was back in the early 70s into the late 70s. Good times I remember when he would come over to Butch and Cookies my (mom) and he would sing Ricky Nelson and Buddy Holly songs he could sing. I'm truly sorry for all of his family. Rest in peace Ralph.
December 21, 2016
It's been almost 1 year since you've been gone. e really miss you a lot. Greek said it seems like yesterday. RIP and we love you.
Lisa Collar
December 18, 2016
RIP you are missed by lot of people.
Emma Christophersen
May 27, 2016
I am Ralph's granddaughter Emma and he was always there for me no mateer what the case was if I was getting in trouble at home he would come and save me or in the summer time when he would call and ask if we had gatorade and we said "Yes grandpa" he would pull up on his bike and have a pack of gatorade with him he would call every noight and morning and ask how our day was and what our plans were. Honestly I dont know what I am going to do with out him but I know he will always be in my heart no matter what . Love you later 123 papa love you
Christy Fritch
March 27, 2016
Love you so much dad I wish you were here , but I know your with the kids and I everyday and are a very proud father. Love your daughter christy RIP DAD HAPPY EASTER UP IN HEAVEN
DAD I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH HOPE YOUR HAVING A HAPPY EASTER UP IN HEAVEN LOVE YOUR DAUGHTER CHRISTY
Christy Fritch
March 27, 2016
March 25, 2016
GBNF
Diane Kaufman
March 24, 2016
I Will Always Love You, My Husband & Soul Mate..until we meet again You will forever in My Heart
Diane Kaufman
Deb and George Huolihan
January 16, 2016
I want to thank you suicide for being part of our lives. and especially to be a very good friend to our dog Lucky. he was your buddy and I thank you for giving him so many more months of life of happiness. thank you for letting us into your life. we will always remember you as a very good friend and a very good friend to lucky
Jacqueline (Schimmers) Polzin
January 16, 2016
RIP, you Will be missed, but Never forgotten
West and Dee Webb Westenberger
January 15, 2016
I and West will miss u R.I.P. our Dear Friend, no one can take our Memorie's LOVE YOU!
ride on Suicide
TD
January 15, 2016
Smiles DCE
January 15, 2016
L&R Suicide, uncle brother and friend you were always one i got excited to see growing up, you gave me more than you will ever know and i love ya and ill see you on that long ride home
January 13, 2016
Ride it like ya stole it! RIP
Dove
Mary Jean and Ralphie
Mary Ready
January 13, 2016
Love you!
Mary Ready (Kaufman)
January 12, 2016
To my brother, my hero, my protector! you were always there for me and I for you! I am going to miss you more than you ever thought possible! I gave you the best send off I could with your benefit, R.I.P. Ralphie!!! I love you, your little sister Mary Jean
January 12, 2016
Later brother R.I.P. Killer
carrie ferguson
January 12, 2016
Suicide....i cant tell you the gratitude that i have for knowing you. I went on my first runs withyou as a teenager and you showed me the true me by introducing me to the biker lifestyle....i ride today because of you and i am truely blessed and honored to be your friend. Thank you and may you rest in peace. I will ride again with you one day, this time on my own bike! Rip
Belinda Kuse (Hogan )
January 12, 2016
I will miss u terribly my long time friend for over 40 years. We both loved to dance and your best friend Dan Klinke. Your brother Mike (Killer )and my older brother Dan kuse was are bodyguards. Like we never got in any trouble Lol.. He loved to sing Sheela to my sister all the time. U will be in my heart and soul forever tell we meet again hun. R.I.P My good friend Ralph( suicide).Never ever forget u sunshine ♡♡♡
Susan Trader
January 11, 2016
Always on my Mind, In my thoughts and my heart. People meet for a reason and we met because we were meant to be a part of each other's lives, each other's journey. Our paths crossed so we could learn and grow. I can't thank you enough for being a part of some of the most amazing moments in my life, like giving me your family that loves with all their hearts. Our beautiful daughter that gave us two beautiful granddaughters. RIP
Sara (Trader) Olszewski
January 9, 2016
I first met Ralph as a rough and tough biker when he dated my sister Sue(Trader), when Amanda was born he turned into a very, caring and protective father to her, then became the most generous, kind, love heart to his granddaughters Emma and Anna. Ralph was a very special person and I am so glad he is part of our family. His smile and songs will live forever in our hearts. Especially Last Kiss, The Wonder of You and You are my Sunshine! My prayers go out to all Ralph's family and friends!! He will be truly missed by all!!
Diane Eichinger KAUFMAN
January 5, 2016
R.I.P. Ralph. I have loved You for 16 years and You Will remain in my heart forever!!!
rory beyer
January 4, 2016
suicide... you were always a great friend!!! you will truely be missed! ride with the angels bro! R.I.P.!!
Tina McCandless
January 3, 2016
Ralph, you were like a second father to me for as long as I can remember. My father Danny Klinke and you were and have always been the dearest of friends, when he moved away you promised him you would watch over me and that you did! I will miss and love you forever!!! Give my mom a big hug and kiss from me!!! RIP
January 3, 2016
Miss you..... ;(
Linda Seehawer (Lane)
January 3, 2016
Suicide I will miss you more than you know. I will cherish the memories that have been made. I know you and dad are up in heaven playing music and riding your Harley's. I love and miss you so much. Rest in peace and I will see you again.
Anna Talbot
January 3, 2016
Thank you for all the good times and laughs every time I seen you. You will be missed dearly! Prayers for your family in thier time of need.
Samantha Zwiers and kids
January 3, 2016
Suicide ride with the angels!! You will be missed! Prayers to your loved ones!
Jack&Kay Lex
December 29, 2015
You may be walking with the angels now and You may be gone from the world but you will always be in our Hearts..RIP Suicide
December 29, 2015
we well miss u a lot rip
December 29, 2015
It was great knowing you and to call you my friend, picking songs together and singing. So "Ride on my friend"
Bob (the Reverend) Frye
Kelly Jesse
December 28, 2015
R.I.P. Suicide. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends
Kelly&Tom Jesse
Speed
December 28, 2015
Miss you bro. You were a true friend. Nothing fake about you.You were the real deal. My condolences to the Kaufman family and all of Suicides friends.
December 28, 2015
Miss you bro. You were a true friend. Nothing fake about you,you were the real deal. my condolences go out to the Kaufman family and all of Suicides friends.
Rhonda Marshall
December 28, 2015
Missed and always loved
Candi
December 28, 2015
RIP Suicide. Many great singing memories with you!!! You will be missed by so many.
Joe and Mary Dollevoet
December 27, 2015
Ride free forever , Suicide . Honored to hear him sing one last time at the benefit . Buffalo .
Barbara Baranczyk
December 27, 2015
To your family , he was a very special person to know and you have my deepest condolences to your family. He is probably singing up in heaven and ridding his bike too.
Sandy&Larry Meidam
December 27, 2015
Ralph I know your singing to your Family and Friends rite now because that would make them happy.Keep riding on though the clouds and smiling that's who you are! Hugs to the Kaufman Family
Christy Fritch
December 27, 2015
Dad I love you and miss you words can't express how this has affected me and my kids but we know you are not in pain anymore. You will always be my hero
Christy Fritch
December 27, 2015
Dad you are my hero and always will be I love you so much Im glad you're out of pain now but please know we love and miss you dearly along with your grandkids we will treasure your music forever and I know you'll be watching over all of us. So dad ride loud and proud. Say hello to all are loved ones up there to. Love you later love your daughter christy, fiance mark and kids Autumn, Charles, Jordan , and Joey RIP DAD
Toni Kaufman- Jones
December 27, 2015
My heart is hearting. I'm sorry to the rest of my family. Sui ride free and Strong up there. Look after me and my family. Its comforting knowing I can look up to the heavens and know hes always looking upon us. Wow I can not say good-bye so LUV YOU LATER!
sherrie / dave (Henry) Eichinger / Hendricks
December 26, 2015
we are very sorry, for the loss of Suicide, he was a very loving, and talented singer. he will be very missed, by all. may he always sing in our hearts. he will be forever riding!
mary rathsack
December 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. From ken and Barb Lyons and the rest of our family. Ride free Suiside. Mary Rathsack.
Mitch & Marcie Vandenbroek
December 25, 2015
You were a great singer and friend. We will all miss you. God bless friend see you on the other side someday. Ride free with the wind.
Sherri Driessen
December 25, 2015
So Dearly heartbroken. You are loved by my entire family and we will miss you dearly Love Sherri Driessen and Visiting my Mother Erma Kuhr ( VanGompel ) was so joyous for her..She will see you in Heaven Lots of Love
December 25, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
~Michael & Margaret Lane
Bill & Deanne Schultz
December 25, 2015
Ride On Suicide , Ride On
rory beyer
December 25, 2015
hope you are riding in heaven! sorry to hear of your passing!
Ralph and His Wife Diane KAufmann!!
Shaun Holiday
December 25, 2015
You were a very Awesome guy to hang around with always had a smile and made music more fun.You and your wife Diane Kaufmann AKA Banana were a blast to hang with!!
Ralph and His Wife Diane KAufmann!!
Shaun Holiday
December 25, 2015
You were a very Awesome guy to hang around with always had a smile and made music more fun.You and your wife Diane Kaufmann AKA Banana were a blast to hang with!!
Sally Foster
December 24, 2015
Dear Ralph,I was so sorry to hear of your passing. You have been the Love of my life since I was 16 years old, and when you left you took a piece of my Heart with you.Together we made many fond memories, and they will forever live on in my Heart. I will never say good-bye, only Rest, Ride, and live on in your music and Love of life, and forever live free. All My Love, Sally Foster. To your family, and friends, I am very sorry to you all for your loss of a wonderful person. My Prayers are with you. God Bless.
Greg Marciniak
December 24, 2015
Condolences to all the Kaufman family. Ride free and sing with the angels.
Don and Vicky Ebelt
December 24, 2015
Rest in Peace, Suicide. Prayers and comfort to the family - Mary and Ann - so good to see you at the benefit. He truly had his day in the sun that day with all of his friends and family around him. Truly a special day. Hugs to you both.
cayla grady
December 24, 2015
r.i.p.
Linda Blohm-Probst
December 24, 2015
When I was young, my family lived on Spencer St., and the Kaufman's lived around the corner on Pierce St. Hung out at the Kaufman's with Ralph's sisters a few times. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Kaufman family and Ralph's friends.
Kristin Hoff
December 24, 2015
You have been a great inspiration in my life from the day I meet you. You called me sister, you embraced me through hard times, we celebrated the joys of live, embraced the wind, and I was swept away in your music. I take comfort knowing your having one heck of a reunion with all those who are waiting on the other side!! Thanks to all those who brought us all together to celebrate with you last weekend! RIP my Brother! Kristin "Trouble" , Jeff, Aurelia, Jocelyn "JoJo" Hoff
Shirley Thiel
December 24, 2015
Ralph it was an honor to have met you! I always looked forward to seeing you and loved our conversations . There was no doubt you loved your family!
My heart was over joyed when you told me you know the Lord!! Your the lucky one who now see's what we are waiting for!
scott butler
December 24, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ann Hansen
December 24, 2015
Ride Free Forever Sui! You will never be forgotten! Luv ya! Later
Karen Laux
December 24, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends and brother and sisters that loved and knew Ralph.
December 24, 2015
I was a classmate of Ralph's at St. Mary's and hung out with him during those years. Ralph was a free spirited guy and lived his life the way he wanted. I have many fond memories of shooting pool and drinking tap beer in his basement. Great memories. Rest in peace, my old friend.
Dan Burich
Colorado Springs, CO
Ride on!!
Mark zimmerman
December 24, 2015
Very sorry for your Loss :(
December 24, 2015
Rest in peace Ralph and may God bless you and your family. I know you are playing and singing with your dad and uncles right now.
Kathy Seidling Schneider (cousin). Neenah
Bruce Wilson
December 24, 2015
RIP my friend of old. God bless you!!
Dennis and Danny Klinke
December 24, 2015
Godspeed my friend. I have so many fond memories of our childhood growing up. To his family, please find comfort in the memories.
Jim Parker
December 24, 2015
Ralph will be missed. Growing up with the Kaufman's was always fun and Ralph and I always found ways of getting into trouble. I also remember the days on our front porch playing he guitar when kids. God speed Ralph and thoughts and prayers to the family.
jolene green
December 24, 2015
I am so sorry for loss !!! Christy and family my heart goes out to you!! I onlybmry him just Friday however I could tell he was such a great man !!- I am grateful to have met him . May u find peace that he without suffering and I hope hr delivered that message to my father ! Prayers and hugs
Joe Kaufman
December 24, 2015
Rest in Pease my friend you were a great guy
David Kaufman
December 24, 2015
I'll miss you brother
Darrell "Bad Hellcat" DeFord
December 24, 2015
We are at that fork in the road Bro, as you always did, you took the less traveled path. We talked about this but I dont think either one of us really thought this day was going to come. You go up and see your Mom and Dad and Jamie. What a long and strange trip its been. I will see you on the other side. Thanks for the memories and the music. Say hello to my mom when you get there. Shes probably still playing your CD everyday. She thought the world of you. Love you later.
Taz/ Art LeShane
December 24, 2015
My condolences to family and friends.
Janet Hermes
December 24, 2015
My sympathies to the Kaufman family and to Diane Eichinger, Suicide was a great man and will be greatly missed, his laugh was one of a kind, just had to hear it and know we were going to have a good time! much love,Janet
E A
December 24, 2015
RIP brother you will be missed....
Dianne and Greek Gostas
December 24, 2015
R.I.P Ralph. You are one special person. God Bless all of your family.
December 23, 2015
You will be deeply missed Suicide (Ralph). You were as close to my family as family can be. An uncle to us and the memories I will cherish for ever! My condolences to everyone. Heather
Dawn Moericke
December 23, 2015
My condolences to all family, friends, brothers and sisters. You will be dearly missed. You were a sincere and long time friend and brother to me for many years. RIP my friend!
Judy Regeth
December 23, 2015
Rest in peace little brother. Thanks for being who you were. Love, Judy (sister)
Carl Pompa
December 23, 2015
may god bless to the family of Ralph C. Kaufman
December 23, 2015
RIP old friend. Your tunes will never leave our memories. May you continue to ride and sing on the other side. Doug and Theresa Paust and family
December 23, 2015
we will truly miss Ralph..all the days of our lives....God was merciful to him RIP Suicide
John & Jane Hartzheim
December 23, 2015
I really miss u brother RIP
December 23, 2015
Dear Suicide our eyes you are and always will be a legion we will miss you truly but never will we forget you. Bobby Vandalen and Jen
Sarah Wyhoski-Wilde
December 23, 2015
Will miss u dearly. Prayers to all family.
Carla Seif
December 23, 2015
Cannot believe you are gone so soon, you will be missed by so many! Godspeed brother, hope you have a smooth and brilliant journey!Was so Happy to see you happy and smiling at benefit, you left us all your music which we will treasure forever! Much Love Suicide. Carla & Jerry
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